Self Determination

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What is Self Determination? Self Determination is defined as the process by which a person controls their own life. Another definition of Self Determination is; freedom to live as one chooses, or to act or decide without consulting another or others. Determination by oneself without outside influence. In plain words Self Determination means, the ability or power to make decisions for yourself, especially the power of a nation of people to decide how it will be governed. Kujichagulia is the second principle of Kwanzaa. We are encouraged to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves. 

We don't need society, or any other group of people to determine who and what we are, or what we'll be. Kwanzaa is a time for us as a people to come together and make plans for ourselves and families. Kwanzaa for me, is not just something I celebrate once a year. The 7 Kwanzaa Principles have become a way of life. I have always been different, but I haven't always acknowledged that. I used to try to fit in with friends and family. I did things that I really didn't enjoy or want to do just to fit in. I allowed others to determine who I was and what I did. So many of us look to magazines, friends, and social media as the blueprint of our lives. Self definition shouldn't be something we only embrace on December 27th. Since going on a soul search about 3 years ago; I have learned to incorporate every Kwanzaa Principle into my life. Yesterday's principle was Umoja, Unity. I try to come up with family events that have nothing to do with holidays or birthdays. I create times where my family and I can get together, eat, talk, laugh, and love on one another. Unity is the whole premise of Kwanzaa. I patronize black owned businesses every chance I get. I started my own black business, "Purple Poet Publishing LLC". My personal goal is to create black history every day. I don't just celebrate black history during the month of February. I practice Kuumba, Creativity. I write poems and books. I paint, and I like to plan events. I am determined to make a name for myself in this world.

Kwanzaa is also a time to recognize and embrace the elders. Last Friday my maternal grandmother celebrated her 89th solar return. I have learned so much from my grandmama. I learned how to cook, how to save money, how to be wise with money, and she has shared her wisdom with me and my children. When I was younger my grandmama would tell me stories about her childhood. I love listening to that history. In other cultures people throw away their elders. It's good to know that most black people still take care of their elderly loved ones; while others place them in a home. Since talking to a good friend of mine about our lineage, I am more determined to find out where I come from. My dad's family is from Madison and Washington Georgia. My mom's family is from Woodland and Wedowee Alabama. Georgia and Alabama were originally populated by Native Americans; who were indigenous black people to this land. We are responsible for naming ourselves and determining who we are. I'm not sure which tribe I'm from yet; whether from Africa or the Americas. Either way, I decide who I am. I'm a queen, a goddess, and my friend helped me to overstand that I'm an empress. I control and rule myself and my territory.

Happy Kwanzaa!!!... Peace & Blessings

What is Kwanzaa?

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What is Kwanzaa? A lot of people, mostly African Americans ask this question. Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, community, and culture.... African American culture. There are seven Kwanzaa Principles, or Nguzo Saba. The first principle is Umoja, which means Unity. Under this principle we come together and celebrate the importance of family, community, our black nation and race. The second principle is Kujichagulia, or Self Determination. We as a people define who and what we are for ourselves. The third principle is Ujima, Collective Work and Responsibility. The goal is to build and maintain our community together and be our brothers and sisters keeper, and solve our problems together. The fourth Kwanzaa principle is Ujamaa, Cooperative Economics. We build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and  profit from them together. The fifth principle is Nia, or Purpose. Under this principle we learn and exercise the importance of applying ourselves to a higher purpose, and to build and develop our community to restore our people to their traditional greatness. The sixth principle is Kuumba, Creativity. We focus on bringing beauty and ideas into fruition. The goal is to manifest and leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it. Last but not least, is Imani. Imani means Faith. We have faith in ourselves, our parents and elders, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga. I started celebrating Kwanzaa a couple of years ago. The more I learn, the more I grow and the better the celebration. As an author I always give my children and grandchildren books. Even when I celebrated Christmas books were a gift that I gave to them. Kwanzaa encourages giving books and handmade purposeful gifts. Kwanzaa celebrations are growing amongst black people. More people are waking up and realizing the commercialism and paganism of Christmas. Kwanzaa teaches us to honor who we are and think for ourselves. We don't need other groups to define us and tell us who to be. We are to determine these things for ourselves. Kwanzaa is a cultural experience. During the seven days of Kwanzaa we are charged to remember, reflect, and recommit to our highest values as individuals and as a people. Let's turn inward and prepare ourselves and families for the coming year. 

Writing Prompts:To Use, or Not To Use? That Is The Question...

Many authors and writing coaches recommend using prompts when writing. When I participated in Tara-Nicholle Nelson's 10 Day Writing Challenge she emailed writing prompts for each day. The goal of the challenge was to write "something" everyday of the challenge. The prompts really came in handy for the challenge. I don't normally use prompts when I write poems, or my books. I usually just write off the cuff; I write what I feel at the moment. As a poet I have to have a muse and inspiration to write. Sometimes words come to me in the middle of the night, while driving, or at anytime. When I sit down to write a book and tell a story I have to plan what I'm going to write; here is where writing prompts may work for me.

All of my writings come from my life experiences. I write about what I know and what I've gone through. Writing prompts are especially helpful for beginning writers, or for those who just don't know where to start when writing about a particular subject. During the 10 Day Writing Challenge I was able to open up and let the words flow after being given a prompt to get me started. If you're a beginning writer, or a veteran in the writing game you can still benefit from using writing prompts. If you journal everyday writing prompts are also beneficial.

Use writing prompts where they are most needed. Happy Writing Kings and Queens!

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New Year, New You or New Moon, New You?

That is the question. Did you set your intentions on Friday night December 7th? Mercury is finally out of retrograde and the new moon is moving out of Sagittarius and into Capricorn. A new moon means new beginnings. Just like people make resolutions for the new year, those of us in the conscious community set intentions during the new moon. Intentions are goals that we plan to accomplish. These goals should be in alignment with who we are, and who we're destined to be. With each new moon or full moon we are faced with new challenges and new blessings. We are all about to transition into a new year, but will there be a new you? Are you prepared for the great( or not so great) things the universe has in store for you?

The Write Way

I began writing poems and books when I was a child in elementary school. I have always had a love for reading and writing. Earlier this year I had a zoom conference with one of my online mentors, and she suggested that I write a book that teaches other people how to write a book. I pondered over the suggestion and decided to do it in a retreat. People, mainly women will attend the retreat and learn how to write or journal their feelings and emotions about a traumatic experience that they have been through.

As I've stated before, writing has been a way to de-stress and escape for me. With the retreat and book my goal is to help people heal themselves through journaling and writing about their experiences. The title for the book is, "Writing the Wrongs". I love to make a play on words. The title suggests writing to fix what is wrong. Writing your emotions is freeing. Keeping emotions bottled up inside causes stress, and stress can kill. Be on the lookout for "Writing the Wrongs" on my websites, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and in bookstores. Let's write(right) the wrongs together! Peace and Blessingshttp://www.tauheedahmichelle.michelebarard.com